We explain the main causes of kidney dysfunction.
They are mainly responsible for filtering the blood, producing urine that will be expelled through the excretory system, but also has important functions at the metabolic level, such as the activation of vitamin D or the control of homeostasis, the balance of the physical parameters of the body, such as the level of salts or the acidity of the blood.
Chronic kidney diseases aloneaffect approximately 15% of the adult populationin countries such as Spain or the USA. In this article we will explain what are the most common kidney diseases, as well as their types, main causes and how they can be treated. Started.
Types and causes of the most common kidney diseases
Kidney diseases are those that affect one or both kidneys. Its causes are very varied, but its symptoms can be very similar .
Given the physiological importance of the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering the blood and contributing in various ways to metabolism (such as calcium fixation, blood pH control or the balance of salts in the body), diseases that seriously affect the kidney can be fatal if not treated in time.
- It might interest you: “Pyelonephritis: what it is, causes, symptoms and possible treatments”
When the damage to the kidneys occurs gradually and irreversibly, we find ourselves with the so-called chronic kidney diseases. Unfortunately, in these cases, the disease does not have a direct cure, but there are still treatments such as kidney transplantation or dialysis, which allow patients who suffer from them to lead a healthy and normal life.
There are also cases in which kidney diseases appear suddenly, usually due to blood insufficiency that can be caused by other pathologies, such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular problems, trauma or the consumption of toxic substances. If the underlying causes are remedied, kidney function can usually be restored in these cases .
1. Kidney stones
Kidney stones are small stones that form in the kidneys. They have a wide variety of sizes and shapes, from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a grapetag. They are formed by the continuous accumulation of substances capable of producing crystals, the most common being those that are made of calcium and oxalate, a substance found in certain foods of plant origin, such as spinach.
Kidney stones can cause obstructions in the urinary tracttag. Its main symptom is intense pain that comes and goes suddenly, especially in the back and abdomen, but can radiate to the groin and genitals, in both men and women.
As the stone causes blockages and damage to the kidney area, we can expect other symptoms, such as bleeding in the urine or decreased kidney function. The symptoms and their evolution will depend on the type of stone, which can be caused by food, but also by urinary infections or by a hereditary tendency to form them.
The main way to avoid the formation of calcium kidney stones is to drink enough water a day -between 1.5 and 2 liters-, as well as take care of your eating habits, avoiding, for example, sugary drinks.
2. Chronic kidney failure
Chronic kidney failure is an irreversible diseasetag. It occurs when the kidneys receive damage that accumulates over time, which implies scarring of the functional kidney tissue. This continuous damage decreases the ability of the kidney to perform its normal functions, with lethal consequences for the patient if the progression of the lesions or their causes are not controlled.
The kidneys are organs closely related to the blood, as they are responsible for filtering it. This filtering requires tiny blood vessels -capillaries- organized in the so-called glomeruli, where the blood is purified.Conditions such as diabetes or hypertension cause ongoing damage to the functional structure of the kidney, both to its blood supply system and to the nephrons, the functional cells of kidney tissue.
3. Glomerulonephritis
The glomeruli are the structure of capillaries, surrounded by Bowman’s capsule -an enveloping layer formed by kidney cells- where the blood is filtered. It is usually caused by circulatory system problems , but also congenital deformities, infections, immune system disorders or the abuse of certain drugs.
Damage from glomerulonephritis can accumulate over time, causing loss of kidney function. Fortunately, it usually resolves itself.
4. Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary disease , that is, it is caused because the affected person has received genes that cause polycystosis.
Most of the alleles that cause this disease are of the dominant type. It produces the formation of a large number of large cysts in both kidneys, which can cause structural and functional damage to this organ.
Usual treatment of kidney diseases
The damage that occurs on the kidneys is irreversible, because the tissue of these organs tends to heal in the affected areastag. Most treatments for kidney disease, especially those in which the damage occurs gradually, such as chronic kidney failure, begin by preventing further damage to the kidney.
To prevent the kidneys from losing functional capacity, there are certain measures that can be taken. Blood pressure control is essential, due to the sensitivity of these organs to high blood pressure. In cases where there is an underlying pathology causing damage to this organ, correcting it is key to preventing the progression of kidney disease.
Bibliographic references
- What Is Chronic Kidney Disease? | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved September 18, 2019 from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/.
- Rule AD, Sasiwimonphan K, Lieske JC, Keddis MT, Torres VE, Vrtiska TJ. (2012) Characteristics of renal cystic and solid lesions based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography of potential kidney donors. American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
- Gorostidi , M. , Sanchez-Martinez , M. , Ruilope , L. , Graciani , A. , de la Cruz , J. , & Santamaria , R. et al. (2018). Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Spain: impact of the accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors. Nephrology, 38(6), 606-615. doi:10.1016/nephroj.2018.04.004.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
